Just Thinking
Thinking about that merry-go-round which I have preached about ever since 9-11. It is speeding up. Folks on the outer edge are losing their grip. Folks near the outside of the merry-go-round are terribly nervous, and folks at the center are shaken but holding on.
Those who work with the homeless and distressed are telling stories about needy souls becoming more desperate. There is an increase in the number of homeless. There is an increase in the number of folks on the marginal edge.
Folks in the center are being terribly careful. Watch for tons of yard sales. There is a carefulness in shopping. Notice the signs "Reduced Price."
Folks in the center are hunkering down. Sitting tight. They have been made to realize that lots of money can be lost in a short amount of time. The comfort zone of many well-to-do people was the income from their "nest egg." With interest low and loss of value of investments the annual return in interest or investments is reduced. Cash flow is pinched. Many rich are cutting back on luxuries.
I am not an economist. I am a pastor. As a pastor it is my responsibility to watch over the spiritual welfare of God's people in my charge and to make provision for sharing the gospel with those who have not heard. My motivation must have a basis: The urgency is to prepare people for the return of Jesus for His Church. I am persuaded the return of Jesus is imminent. It is our best hope.
It seems to me that daily the intensity of preparation for the return of Jesus increases. World leaders are progressively making moves that are consistent with prophecies of the anti-christ's kingdom, e.e., one world court, one money system, international trade, etc. Piracy and lawlessless are becoming a threat to the world. The anti-christ will advantage himself of these lawless acts and profess to bring world peace.
Methods used by the anti-christ will be harsh and brutal. At first people will rejoice for certain threats being removed. However, in the end it will be like Nazi Germany when the good folks said: "When they came for us there was no one to tell or help" (paraphrased).
Expect the saints to be shaken. We must decide whether we are sold out for the cause of the Kingdom. We must decide whether we are committed to Christ as the center of our lives. Is our cross borne in faithful service to Christ who gave his life for us? Will we use our possessions, talents and skills for the glory of Christ? Or will we hold to things as if the coming of Jesus will be delayed? Do we live as if life will stretch before us with comfort and pleasure to a ripe old age? Or do we pray and believe that any day is the day for Our Lord's return for His Church?
Do we hope for a delay of the coming of Jesus so we can live out dreams of adventure and excitement? Do we believe that comfortable years of retirement with our soul taking ease, eating and drinking [Luke 12:19] will be better than being with Jesus? Is life so good that we are quite content to fulfill the lust of the flesh? Have we been kidnapped by the devil and taken to paradise island's make-believe world where feeling good and having fun is sold as God's will for our lives?
Have we numbed ourselves to the cries of lost souls? Have we isolated ourselves until we no longer care about the lonely, hurting, and hungry? Have we convinced ourselves that no one will go to hell; therefore, we can relax about evangelism? No need to tell others about Jesus. Everything will work out. God will save the ones to be saved. No problem. Have fun. Enjoy your Sunday. Sleep in. Have a picnic. Wash your car or clothes. Go to the gym. Take in a ballgame. We are not responsible for our brother. We are only responsible to ourselves. Most importantly, don't worry. Have fun.
My prayer for you, Dear One, is that you will not allow the music of this world to dull your senses and lure you to destruction. Jesus is coming. When He comes it will be for those who are looking for his return. Take heed. Be diligent. Count the cost. The hour is late. Take time to pray and to serve...NOW!
Pastor Bare
Revelation 22:20b (John says) "Even so, Come, Lord Jesus."